McGregor family has extra reason to cheer for Iowa Idol star

MCGREGOR — Iowa native Maddie Poppe has drawn headlines in north central Iowa and beyond as she has worked her way into the “American Idol” top 10. For a McGregor’s Todd Larson and Jo Larson, Poppe’s rise to stardom has hit closer to home than that of someone they see on television.

Todd is a first cousin of Poppe’s mother while Jo is married to Todd’s brother Darren, who would also be Poppe’s mother’s cousin. Both said their families are extremely close to Poppe’s and have been watching intensely as she has advanced.